ALMM list issued by MNRE: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued the list I of Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar PV Modules (ALMM). List I is only for modules, while list II will be for cells. As the name suggests, developers will have to use solar PV cells and modules for all government/government assisted projects/projects under government schemes and programs, sourcing these from models and manufacturers as mentioned in the lists. The ALMM will be uploaded on MNRE website and monthly updated. The enlistment will be valid for 2 years, to be renewed on submission of necessary documents.
MNRE specified the list will be applicable only on projects for which bids are concluded after 30 days of publication of such list. List I will be applicable on all bids whose last date of bid submission is on or after April 10, 2021. The ministry says to bring contractual clarity, bidding agencies shall take an explicit declaration from the bidders that they are aware of binding provisions of the order while quoting the tariff in that bid.
Borosil stands to benefit from tariffs: Indian solar PV glass manufacturer Borosil Renewables Limited has shared in a stock exchange update that the company is likely to experience positive impact on its business with increased demand, thanks to 2 developments. One relates to the MNRE's imposition of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imported cells and modules with effect from April 1, 2022 (see India Imposes Basic Customs Duty On Solar Cells & Modules). The other development is related to the Ministry of Finance imposing countervailing duty (CVD) ranging from 9.71% to 10.14% of cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value for a period of 5 years, on imports of Textured Tempered Coated or Uncoated Solar Glass from Malaysia. Borosil believes these developments are likely to push up demand for solar PV glass.
500 MW solar tender oversubscribed: A 500 MW grid connected solar power tender launched by the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) as phase XII in January 2021 has been oversubscribed (see GUVNL Launches 500 MW Solar Tender Under Phase XII). According to Mercom India Research, the tender has received good response with a number of bidders interested in it. The list of such bidders it shares includes Ayana Renewable Power, ReNew Power, Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, NTPC, Coal India, Tata Power, Torrent Power, Juniper Green Energy, Sprng Energy, Vector Green, and SJVN.
Transmission system for 8.1 GW solar power: The Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) has acquired Ramgarh New Transmission Limited (RNTL). This will enable it to establish transmission system strengthening scheme for the evacuation of power from solar energy zones in Rajasthan for a total 8.1 GW capacity, under phase II-Part A on build, own, operate and maintain (BOOM) basis. The transmission system is an interstate transmission system project, to be completed in 18 months, according to the PGCIL's information under a stock exchange filing.